Children’s Vision and Education
Start the School Year With an Eye Exam
Completing an eye exam annually is important for the whole family, and back-to-school season is the perfect time to schedule a visit to the eye doctor.
A few weeks before the start of the school year is a great time for parents to book an eye exam to make sure their kids have the right prescription and allow time for glasses or contacts to be fabricated if they need them. If school is already in session, it’s still a good idea to get an eye exam on the calendar, to make sure your kids are well-positioned for a year of successful learning.
What Happens During an Eye Exam
During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor not only determines your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses but also checks for common eye diseases, assesses how your eyes work together as a team, and evaluates your eyes as an indicator of your overall health.
How to Choose Glasses for Your Children
There are so many great, stylish eyewear options for kids that are also durable, comfortable, and affordable. To get kids excited about wearing glasses, make sure they are involved in the process of picking a color and style that reflects their unique personality.
Contact lenses are also a great option for kids, once they are old enough to wear them responsibly. Disposable contacts can be convenient and easy for kids.
Eyewear for Sports and Activities
The best way to prevent a sports-related eye injury is to wear sport-specific protective eyewear that fits properly. Ensure the protective eyewear is ASTM (American Standard for Testing and Materials) rated for the sport being played.
Polycarbonate lenses provide the highest level of protection for impact resistance. ASTM sports rated protective eyewear can be purchased at sporting goods stores or at your local eyecare provider’s office.
Don’t Forget Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a daily health necessity for adults and kids to protect the eyes from long and short-term damage from the sun’s UV rays. Children have larger pupil sizes which means there is a bigger window for UV rays to enter their eye. Since their internal lens is still developing, they can’t filter out UV rays as well as an adult eye.
Keep an Eye on Eye Strain
As children, especially teens, increasingly use digital devices at school and at home, digital eye strain can be a concern for kids just as much as it is for adults.
Fortunately, kids can benefit from the same simple lifestyle changes as adults – encourage them to take breaks and make sure their devices are set up properly. And of course, encourage spending time outside whenever possible.